Charles was born in Enfield, Middlesex and was an outstanding engraver in his time; many of his best-known plates were after the works of Sir Edwin Landseer. The earliest of these was Hafed, published in 1837. His works after other painters included: Bonaparte a Bassano, The Melton Breakfast, after Sir Francis Grant. By Hawking in the Olden Time in 1842, The Hawk, The Peregrine Falcon, and Breeze in 1843, Islay, Macaw, and Love Birds in 1844, The Cat's Paw in 1846, The Otter Hunt in 1847, Hunters at Grass and Shoeing in 1848, The Woodcutter in 1849, A Grand Hart in 1853, Baying the Stag and The Poacher in 1873, Deer in Woburn Park in 1877, and Collie Dogs, the list is endless.

Some of his most famous being: Bouricairos crossing the Pyrenees, 1859; The Highland Shepherd and Huntsman taking Hounds to Cover, 1861; A Scottish Raid, 1862; The Horse Fair, 1863; A Family of Deer crossing the Summit of the Long Rocks and Morning in the Highlands.

An excellent example of the quality of his engravings can be found in an 1874 book ‘Landscapes British and Foreign, engraved by Charles G Lewis after E.W. Cooke R.A’ published just prior to him retiring to Felpham in 1877. He died suddenly from apoplexy at the front gate of his residence in Felpham Road watching a parade go past and was buried in Felpham churchyard.

Blue Plaque located on Cavendish Villa, Felpham Road